• poems,  poetry,  prayer,  quotes

    This Precious Planet

    March 8, 2023
    Nature’s art of fallen leaves – 2021

    May I become at all times, both now and forever,
    A protector for those without protection
    A guide for those who have lost their way
    A ship for those with oceans to cross
    A bridge for those with rivers to cross
    A sanctuary for those in danger
    A lamp for those without light
    A place of refuge for those who lack shelter
    And a servant to all in need.

    For as long as space endures,
    And for as long as living beings remain,
    Until then may I, too, abide
    To dispel the misery of the world.

    Heart to Heart: A Conversation on Love and Hope for Our Precious Planet by Dalai Lama

    It is cloudy and cold as I watch tiny snowflakes, that look more like sleet than snow, drift in the wind outside my window. While the juniper shrub outside my window gently sways with the same wind. Everything about this morning has that cold wintery look and feel to it. I find myself grateful for what I have knowing there are many who do not. It begs the question, “What can I do to dispel the misery of the world?” And, it is International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate the women in our world, embracing what they offer us and dispel the misery some of them endure. Not much on my schedule today except lunch with my oldest daughter, Christine. Stay warm!

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  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  poems,  poetry,  quotes,  sunrises

    Intense Sky

    February 12, 2023
    Predawn sky over Dixon Reservoir this morning

    May all I say and all I think
    be in harmony with thee,
    God within me,
    God beyond me,
    maker of the trees.

    Chinook prayer, Pacific Northwest Coast

    Almost 9:45 am. It has been a busy morning already. Made a drive to Pineridge Natural Area to greet the morning sunrise. The predawn sky was an intense red, not sure my sensor would pickup the true color. Shortly after shooting this image the clouds did take on a beautiful shade of pink and orange colors. Interestingly I preferred this image. Later, people at the coffee shop were talking about the morning’s intense sunrise. Reminded me the gift of sunrises are not just for my pleasure but for all of creation.

    Will meet with friends at noon and then later in the evening with other friends but it will not be to watch the game. My interest in such events has passed on to other interests. Tomorrow morning will be my procedure (Left Heart Cath) then will meet with surgeons on Wednesday.

    A smile comes across my face as I imagine what a peaceful world it would be if everyone prayed the simple prayer above as a way to start each day. And each day we changed the word trees to something different, naming anything of creation. Anyway, may you have a wonderful day and may all we say and all we think be in harmony.

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  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  poems,  quotes,  sunrises

    More Patience

    February 6, 2023

    The mind is but a visitor;
    it thinks us out of our world.

    Rilke’s Book of Hours: I, 51

    I saw last night that the morning hours could have scattered clouds so I drove to Pineridge Natural Area thinking nature could offer me some colors. I waited for a few minutes in the cold penetrating wind but my thinking mind, who Rilke suggests will think us out of our world, told me nothing was going to happen and a better choice would be to head for the coffee shop. By the time I was halfway there that pink streak you see on the horizon burst into a blazing pink sky. Sigh! This post actually follows up with yesterday’s post about going out with my camera and seeing what nature offers. Seems there’s a need for patience, even in a cold wind, to see what nature has to offer. Oh well, I enjoyed my mocha and told myself, tomorrow morning. And, it has been overcast and windy all day.

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  • poems,  poetry,  shadows

    Looking For Me

    January 31, 2023

    I have been sitting here resting
    after my morning stroll, and the sun
    in its soft yellow work gloves
    has come in through the window
    and is feeling around on the opposite wall
    looking for me, having seen me
    cheerfully walking along the road
    just as it rose, having followed me home
    to see what I have to be happy about.

    Ted Kooser, Winter Morning Walks

    Another bitter cold morning at -8 degrees. However, the forecast is promising. I’m liking Kooser’s poetry in this new book called Winter Morning Walks recommended by Joe. Stay warm!

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  • poems,  poetry

    Squirrel of Worry

    January 25, 2023

    Sometimes when things are going well,
    the daredevil squirrel of worry
    suddenly leaps from the back of my head
    to the feeder, swings by his paws
    and clambers up, twitching his question mark tail.
    And though I try the recommended baffles —
    tin cone of meditation, greased pipe
    of positive thought — every sunflower seed
    in this life is his if he wants it.

    Ted Kooser, Winter Morning Walks, page 48

    Well, I did not receive the news I wanted to hear from my cardiologist yesterday. The valve is in the severe stage and something needs to be done. The valve that was replaced 4 years ago is, in the doctor’s opinion, too small for my body which is why it failed so early. An echocardiogram 1 month post TAVR echo shows elevated MG of 26mmHg and Vmax of 3.27m/s, consistent with PPM. Which in doctor speak says the valve is already struggling. So, they are recommending I meet with a cardiothoracic surgeon for a possible SAVR (open heart surgery again) with a root enlargement, making that opening larger to accommodate a larger replacement valve. I have an Left Heart Cath set for Feb 13th then meet with the surgeon on the 15th. If the cardiothoracic surgeon does not think I’m a good candidate for whatever reason, the groin procedure is still an option but they’d still be looking at a valve that is too small. Not what I want. My next appointment is with the Hematologist to look at my low Platelet numbers. They say I’m thrombocytopenia.

    Again, it’s not the news I wanted but it’s what I have. Another opportunity to live in the present moment by keeping an eye on my feet and wiggling my toes.

    About the image and poem by Ted Kooser. I’ve encountered this squirrel of worry throughout my life and in the past 4 weeks it has been quite busy. I must admit all my worries are based in fear (False Evidence Appearing Real). I do my best to face these worries as part of life by finding quiet time, practicing prayer and meditation, spending time in nature and reaching out to a listening ear or being that listening ear. Avoiding my fears or denying them has never been a solution. Hoping you’re having a great Wednesday!

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